1. < Neuropathy

Neuropathy and constipation

Posted by korgman123 @korgman123, Nov 6, 2022

I've always had issues with constipation. I've got SFN now for 2 years in my feet and hands, numbness mainly, and notice my constipation is getting worse. Any suggestions?

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louise1942 | @louise1942 | May 19, 2023
In reply to @tessie63 "Louise1942 I have been dealing with constipation also and learned it is a result of the..." + (show)
@tessie63

Louise1942 I have been dealing with constipation also and learned it is a result of the pills I am taking for neuropathy. It says right on the bottle that they may cause constipation. I have changed my diet to include more ruffage foods and bran buds sprinkled on your yogurt or other things also help this problem. I also take two tabs of senicot at bed time. You can get this in any pharmacy. I would be interested in knowing if your spinal surgery works. I wish you all the best and do keep in touch. Hugs

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Unfortunately taking more fiber with a non working colon only leads to a backup in the colon. The muscles that are supposed to get the colon to move the food along aren't working and so it sits there and compacts and loses moisture content and hardens. I have been taking a generic form of Miralax and at least it keeps it from hardening but it doesn't move any faster.

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2 replies
louise1942 | @louise1942 | May 19, 2023
In reply to @johnbishop "@korgman123 - I have had issues off and on for a few years with constipation and..." + (show)
@johnbishop

@korgman123 - I have had issues off and on for a few years with constipation and think I finally might have it under control. I'm not sure it's related to my small fiber peripheral neuropathy but it may have played a part in the problem. A few weeks ago I had bilateral inguinal hernia surgery but before the surgeon agreed to do the surgery I had to spend a little over a month getting the constipation under control. I used Miralax daily and sometimes twice daily along with an Rx of Lactulose to kick start the movements - https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/lactulose-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20528356. I am still taking Miralax daily but was told I can reduce the amount to see how it goes. The goal is for me not to strain when having a bowel movement to unfix the hernia surgery.

I've also worked on eater more fiber rich food to help. I found this article that talks on the topic of treating constipation and might be helpful.

-- Treatment of gastrointestinal autonomic neuropathy
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00125-015-3828-9
Have you discussed the constipation with your doctor or tried using any over the counter remedies like Miralax, fiber supplements, etc...?

Jump to this post

Yes, I have had a full workup with my gastroenterologist. I had a defacography, which is an x-ray of bowel function. Not a pleasant test, but it revealed a sluggish colon which does not function properly. My gastroenterologist basically said that my neuropathy was causing the problem with elimination and that I would probably have to rely on suppositories and enemas. Bulck and fibre just backs up. Miralax helps some but my colon is still sluggish and does not form proper stool.

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louise1942 | @louise1942 | May 19, 2023
In reply to @26sabrina "My story is similar to yours. I have the neuropathy and had to have spine surgery..." + (show)
@26sabrina

My story is similar to yours. I have the neuropathy and had to have spine surgery but for a different reason. After total recovery I too added roughage to my diet, eat prunes every morning take psyllium every day and make sure to drink plenty of water. It is also important to be active. These steps have helped me maintain my GI system. If it does happen that I don't have a bowel movement for 3 days, I take Senokot as prescribed on the bottle. It is OTC. I hope this helps.

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Did your spine surgery help at all with neuropathy, balance, standing and walking. Right now I can no walk safely without my walker, standing in shower for more than a few minutes leaves me wobbly . Standing to cook for only 5 to 10 minutes results in icey tingling and weakness in legs. If you had any of these symptoms did the surgery help?

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1 reply
vlpr | @vlpr | May 20, 2023
In reply to @tessie63 "Louise1942 I have been dealing with constipation also and learned it is a result of the..." + (show)
@tessie63

Louise1942 I have been dealing with constipation also and learned it is a result of the pills I am taking for neuropathy. It says right on the bottle that they may cause constipation. I have changed my diet to include more ruffage foods and bran buds sprinkled on your yogurt or other things also help this problem. I also take two tabs of senicot at bed time. You can get this in any pharmacy. I would be interested in knowing if your spinal surgery works. I wish you all the best and do keep in touch. Hugs

Jump to this post

I too was recommended senicot for constipation due to taking Cymbalta. I have strained and caused a hiatal hernia. It was recommended to take senicot twice a day. I'm playing around with the dosage as I think twice a day would be too much. I find senicot gives me a normal bowel movement. My husband takes Miralax daily. It helps him. I know Miralax is a safe laxative as it was given to newborn premies daily. If it's safe for those babies, it must be safe for adults to take daily too. When they were alive, my aging parents were told to take Miralax daily.
My primary doc says taking a daily mild laxative is ok in aging adults. If we were 25, he might have concerns. Check with your primary doc. He's probably has lots of experience with older adults and constipation.
Good luck,
vlpr

REPLY
26sabrina | @26sabrina | May 20, 2023
In reply to @louise1942 "Did your spine surgery help at all with neuropathy, balance, standing and walking. Right now I..." + (show)
@louise1942

Did your spine surgery help at all with neuropathy, balance, standing and walking. Right now I can no walk safely without my walker, standing in shower for more than a few minutes leaves me wobbly . Standing to cook for only 5 to 10 minutes results in icey tingling and weakness in legs. If you had any of these symptoms did the surgery help?

Jump to this post

Yes. But what really made a difference was a lot of PT and now I am going to a special gym working on my legs and back strength. It took at least a year before I was somewhat comfortable around the house but still using a cane and still not perfect with balance. It is 2 years now since my spine surgery and I still have to be careful with my balance.

REPLY
kyc117 | @kyc117 | Jul 3, 2023
In reply to @johnbishop "@korgman123 - I have had issues off and on for a few years with constipation and..." + (show)
@johnbishop

@korgman123 - I have had issues off and on for a few years with constipation and think I finally might have it under control. I'm not sure it's related to my small fiber peripheral neuropathy but it may have played a part in the problem. A few weeks ago I had bilateral inguinal hernia surgery but before the surgeon agreed to do the surgery I had to spend a little over a month getting the constipation under control. I used Miralax daily and sometimes twice daily along with an Rx of Lactulose to kick start the movements - https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/lactulose-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20528356. I am still taking Miralax daily but was told I can reduce the amount to see how it goes. The goal is for me not to strain when having a bowel movement to unfix the hernia surgery.

I've also worked on eater more fiber rich food to help. I found this article that talks on the topic of treating constipation and might be helpful.

-- Treatment of gastrointestinal autonomic neuropathy
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00125-015-3828-9
Have you discussed the constipation with your doctor or tried using any over the counter remedies like Miralax, fiber supplements, etc...?

Jump to this post

Thanks for info John. I’m having terrible constipation and took Miralax 2 days ago to no avail. I’ve taken aloe Vera juice as well. Does miralax take awhile to help?

REPLY
2 replies
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jul 3, 2023
In reply to @kyc117 "Thanks for info John. I’m having terrible constipation and took Miralax 2 days ago to no..." + (show)
@kyc117

Thanks for info John. I’m having terrible constipation and took Miralax 2 days ago to no avail. I’ve taken aloe Vera juice as well. Does miralax take awhile to help?

Jump to this post

Miralax normally works overnight but sometimes has been hit or miss for me and I've had to use 1-1/2 to 2 capfuls. I've also found Magnesium Citrate liquid solution to help when I'm really having a terrible bout of constipation but I absolutely hate the sweet taste 😝. My favorite aid is a night time cup of hot Prunelax tea (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DFSNYQW).

I've been experimenting the past 2 months and found that Heather's Tummy Fiber is helping with my bowel regularity but I haven't quite got it down to how much/little I need to use daily for my constipation. It can be used for both diarrhea and constipation. The only downside from my perspective is it takes a little more effort to mix it up with water as it doesn't mix well with hot or cold liquids. Works great in smoothies or mixed with food. - https://www.heatherstummycare.com/c/tummy-fiber/. I also like their Peppermint & Fennel tea bags which help with bloating/gas.

REPLY
1 reply
julbpat | @julbpat | Jul 4, 2023
In reply to @kyc117 "Thanks for info John. I’m having terrible constipation and took Miralax 2 days ago to no..." + (show)
@kyc117

Thanks for info John. I’m having terrible constipation and took Miralax 2 days ago to no avail. I’ve taken aloe Vera juice as well. Does miralax take awhile to help?

Jump to this post

I would go with something stronger when this occurs, like a laxative pill that induces actual bowel cramping. It’s not fun, but you can use it to get back on track, then play around with something milder for daily use if needed.

REPLY
julbpat | @julbpat | Jul 4, 2023
In reply to @johnbishop "Miralax normally works overnight but sometimes has been hit or miss for me and I've had..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Miralax normally works overnight but sometimes has been hit or miss for me and I've had to use 1-1/2 to 2 capfuls. I've also found Magnesium Citrate liquid solution to help when I'm really having a terrible bout of constipation but I absolutely hate the sweet taste 😝. My favorite aid is a night time cup of hot Prunelax tea (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DFSNYQW).

I've been experimenting the past 2 months and found that Heather's Tummy Fiber is helping with my bowel regularity but I haven't quite got it down to how much/little I need to use daily for my constipation. It can be used for both diarrhea and constipation. The only downside from my perspective is it takes a little more effort to mix it up with water as it doesn't mix well with hot or cold liquids. Works great in smoothies or mixed with food. - https://www.heatherstummycare.com/c/tummy-fiber/. I also like their Peppermint & Fennel tea bags which help with bloating/gas.

Jump to this post

Someone here mentioned Colon Max (Amazon). Okay, this works! I am also on prescription Motegrity every morning. This didn’t happen overnight - looking back, I realize I was starting to struggle with some bloating and slow gut motility long before all my SFN pain began. For years. This is what works currently for me, and sometimes even this doesn’t work. Those nerves just aren’t working properly, it’s just a fact, like other in-fun SFN realities.

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lecowing | @lecowing | Jul 4, 2023

Thank you for all the suggestions as I have similar problem.

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